A Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Bonus?

The best way to protect oneself against the Sars-CoV-2 virus, is to be double jabbed with an approved vaccine. Surprisingly, however, being vaccinated against seasonal influenza may provide additional benefits (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jul/12/flu-jab-may-reduce-severe-effects-of-covid-suggests-study). A study of 75,000 coronavirus patients, found that numbers of deaths in people who had had and had not had a seasonal 'flu vaccination, were similar. However, patients who had been given the seasonal 'flu vaccination, seemed to be protected from the most severe effects of a Covid19 infection. They were less likely to be hospitalised or to finish up Intensive Care Units. Seasonal 'flu vaccinated folk, were also significantly less likely to have a stroke, get deep vein thrombosis or suffer from sepsis. Obviously, the Sars-Cov-2 and the seasonal influenza viruses have very different spike proteins. If the protective effect of the seasonal 'flu vaccine operates by boosting the immune system, it must do so by stimulating the innate immune system. The innate immune system involves fast-acting effects, like the inflammation response. It does not rely on the much slower production of antibodies. An alternative explanation is that, patients getting the seasonal 'flu vaccine, are just in better health than their unvaccinated counterparts. The researchers are trying to exclude this possibility. It seems, however, a good idea to encourage people to take the seasonal 'flu vaccine along with any Covid19 boosters this Autumn (Fall).